Indigenous Peoples’ Day The Indigenous Peoples’ Day Community Festival which included traditional Haudenosaunee social dance performances was held at the Everson Museum of Art on Oct. 8, 2023. (Anne Hayes | Ahayes@syracuse.com) (Anne Hayes)
While Central New York doesn’t have the density of fine art institutions of a major metropolis, it would be a mistake to overlook the ubiquity of the arts here.
In fact, the arts have quietly fueled urban growth across Upstate New York for several decades, with a 2023 report by Center for an Urban Future citing a 34% growth in the arts and culture sector for the previous decade — that’s more than construction (16.5%), educational services (11.9%), and healthcare (11.7%) for the same period. A lot more.
There are myriad ways to appreciate art in CNY, whether you want to make a day out of wandering around a huge museum or just poke your head in a gallery in between lunch and the chocolate shop. There are so many options — some, we’d wager, you didn’t even know existed.
None of these are behemoths, like the Met museum in NYC or the Art Institute of Chicago — but in a few, you can come surprisingly close to that large-institution experience. Others make taking in art more of a bite-size project, attractive any day that a pocket of time reveals itself. If you’re starting your own collection, many of the smaller galleries sell the art they show.
From the sublime and breathtaking to the thought-provoking and galvanizing, here’s where to find fine and visual art in CNY.
Museums
Everson Museum of Art A crowd gathers at the 2023 “Hoop Dreams: Basketball and Contemporary Art” exhibition at the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse. (The Post-Standard/Everson Museum of Art) Everson Museum of Art
Housed downtown in a Brutalist structure — itself a work of art designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei — is our very own gem of a museum, the first in the nation to specialize in American art and specifically in ceramics. Today, its permanent international ceramics collection is one of the largest in the country, on display everywhere from its galleries to its cafe, Louise. The permanent collection of 11,000 pieces also includes photographs, decorative arts and works on paper, plus a focus on video art. You’ll always find one or more curated ceramics exhibits in the downstairs galleries, as well as contemporary painting, sculpture and multimedia exhibitions upstairs. Attend a performance or lecture in the Hosmer Auditorium or take advantage of guided tours and hands-on workshops.
401 Harrison St., Syracuse, 315-474-6064, everson.org
“What If I Try This”: Helen Frankenthaler in the 20th-Century Print Ecosystem A printmaking activity inspired by this exhibition, “What If I Try This?”: Helen Frankenthaler in the 20th-Century Print Ecosystem was featured as part of the Syracuse University Art Museum’s 2025 Community Day (Photo by Jiayue Yu) (Jiayue Yu/Jiayue Yu) Syracuse University Art Museum
Syracuse University holds a massive collection of more than 45,000 pieces (spanning 4,000 years of global history) in its teaching museum, which enhances learning and research by providing access to materials for students and faculty and a searchable online database available to the public. Pieces from the permanent collection, featuring animation, photographs, textiles, decorative arts, jewelry, assemblage and more, rotate in and out of display in the Shaffer Art Center and around campus. Check the website for a QR code that leads to a robust guide to the museum; you’ll also find a map of the outdoor public art with a self-guided audio tour. Don’t miss the Tree of 40 Fruit by Sam Van Aken, a living sculpture on the quad when it blooms in the spring and summer.
Syracuse University, Shaffer Hall, Syracuse, 315-443-4097, museum.syr.edu
Munson
There are many reasons to visit Munson, formerly known as Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, from its incredible campus and its art and artifacts collections to its performances, community-centered activities and classes. In the centerpiece building, the Museum of Art, as well as the architecturally diverse mansions and structures surrounding, you’ll find works from its extensive permanent collection, which includes American paintings and sculpture from the 1800s, American and European modern and contemporary art, drawings by Hopper and de Kooning, prints from Goya, Picasso, Dürer, Rembrandt, Parrish and Simpson, and decorative arts and furniture along with period rooms. Design fans can come here to geek out over the iconic revival-style typeface found in the museum’s signage; it’s inspired by original hand-lettering created for the institution by Elaine Lustig Cohen.
310 Genesee St., Utica, 315-797-0000, munson.art
Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art
This is the place to head for a full-day experience. Cornell’s museum, established in 1973 and also designed by I.M. Pei, houses a permanent collection of more than 40,000 works, including art, sculpture, textiles and ceramics from the last six millennia. View the expansive Asian collection, European art from ancient times to today, and African and pre-Columbian sculpture. You can take a breather between exhibits in the beautiful Morgan Japanese Garden, which serves as an abstract depiction of one of the paintings in the museum’s collection, or lie back on the zero gravity bench in the Mallin Sculpture Court and look up at “Cosmos,” an LED installation paying tribute to late Cornell astronomy professor Carl Sagan. Don’t miss vistas of Ithaca and Cayuga Lake from upper floors.
Cornell University, 114 Central Ave., Ithaca, 607-255-6464, museum.cornell.edu
Art Centers
La Casita Cultural Center On September 12, 2025, hundreds of visitors arrive at La Casita Cultural Center to join the new art exhibition. (Wesley J. Pérez Vidal) (Wesley J. Pérez Vidal/Wesley J. Pérez Vidal) La Casita Cultural Center
La Casita was established 15 years ago with the aim of creating a cultural bridge between Latino communities of Syracuse University and the city of Syracuse. The Near Westside space is home to a single gallery that mounts at least two exhibits a year focusing on the richness and diversity of Hispanic experiences — frequently incorporating work made with the local community — and a large bilingual lending library of children’s, young adult and adult literature. Additionally, the staff offers art workshops, dance classes, music lessons and after-school programming. “Especially in the years post-COVID, creative art therapy here has been a really important way to foster wellness within the community, one that very often doesn’t have access to wellness services,” said executive director Tere Paniagua. Guided tours are available in English and Spanish.
109 Otisco St., Syracuse, 315-443-2151, lacasita.syr.edu
Community Folk Art Center
The Community Folk Art Center, a part of Syracuse University, has been open since 1972, and promotes artists of all stripes with special attention paid to the African diaspora and underrepresented groups. Four or five temporary exhibitions are held throughout the year and a permanent “hall of ancestors,” with about 20 works made by CFAC’s co-founders, pays tribute to the space’s “historic arts legacy through generations,” said Alexia Carr, marketing outreach coordinator. The center specializes in the visual and expressive arts, and besides the exhibitions, hosts film screenings, studio arts classes including dance and ceramics, and many community events such as karaoke, writing workshops and open mic nights.
805 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, 315-422-2230, communityfolkartcenter.org
Both Ends of the Rainbow Nearly 900 people attended the Jan. 28, 2024, opening of “Both Ends of the Rainbow” and “Three Lakes Sampler” at the Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn. The exhibits feature art made by kindergarten to grade 12 students and senior citizens. (Schweinfurth Art Center/Schweinfurth Art Center) Schweinfurth Art Center
Though this center has no permanent collection, there’s always a lot going on. Built in 1980 through a trust left by Auburn native Julius A. Schweinfurth, the center’s first exhibit showcased the work of artists from 12 Central New York counties. The tradition of spotlighting this population continues with an annual “Made in NY” exhibition displaying works by noteworthy professional artists and “Both Ends of the Rainbow,” which highlights the creativity of pre-K to 12th grade students and senior citizens. Fiber arts and contemporary arts are a major focus here; Schweinfurth hosts an annual international juried quilt exhibition, as well as quilting classes among its other classes and workshops. Its three galleries mean that a visit can encompass varied works of art but the center closes during installations, so check before visiting.
205 Genesee St., Auburn, 315-255-1553, schweinfurthartcenter.org
Kirkland Art Center
Kirkland’s grassroots story began in 1960 with a very popular high school art teacher giving a series of art appreciation lectures. Located in a repurposed church and barn, Kirkland qualifies as a multi-arts center, with a main gallery typically exhibiting contemporary art. “It can be a one-person exhibit, or one with several artists that are grouped together due to some similarity,” said executive director Anita Welych. See work from local, regional and national artists working in nearly all mediums, such as photography, printmaking, sculpture, installations and performance. The center also hosts theater and live music and houses a very active pottery studio. Kirkland is currently embarking on a major renovation, and though they vow to stay open throughout, it’s worth a call before visiting.
9 ½ East Park Row, Clinton, 315-853-8871, kacny.org
Salmon River Fine Arts Center
This not-for-profit’s mission is community driven: use art and artistic expression to inspire, educate, engage and enrich. Pieces from people of all ages, artist or not, are displayed at a variety of shows and exhibitions throughout the year. Founded in 1991, the center is just celebrating its reopening after a renovation, and, true to form, the first show — up now — features the art of the volunteers who supported the renovation. Professional member artists have shown paintings, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, photography, prints and mixed media. An annual juried show celebrates the region’s excellent fishing and the Salmon River. The art center holds a full slate of inexpensive and free classes on pottery, drawing and painting, as well as after-school art clubs and classes and free classes for seniors.
4848 N. Jefferson St., Pulaski, 315-298-7007, salmonriverfineartscenter.com
Galleries
Point of Content gallery Joseph Kugielsky, a visual artist and former New York Times photographer, stands next to his 9-foot-2-inch installation titled “The Tower.” The installation is part of Point of Contact’s 50th anniversary exhibition, “50 Sin Cuenta.” (Wesley J. Pérez Vidal/This is CNY) Point of Contact/Punto de Contacto
This gallery, located in the Nancy Cantor Warehouse Building at the edge of downtown Syracuse, celebrated its 50th anniversary last year and had much of its considerable permanent collection on display to commemorate the occasion. POC boasts high-end contemporary conceptual work by Latin American artists: the permanent collection comprises about 200 videos, collages, photographs, drawings and prints. Founded by late Syracuse University professor Pedro Cuperman to bring writers and visual artists together, the nonprofit fosters cross-cultural dialog through a focus on visual arts in the fall and literary programming in the spring.
350 W. Fayette St., Suite 005, Syracuse, 315-443-2247, puntopoint.org
Ricardo Levins Morales at ArtRage Gallery Artist Ricardo Levins Morales addresses the crowd at ArtRage Gallery during the opening reception on September 7, 2024. (ArtRage Gallery/Ricardo Levins Morales) ArtRage Gallery
As you might guess from its name, this gallery, founded in 2008 by artist Rose Viviano and the late Dik Cool of Syracuse Cultural Workers, focuses on current and historical progressive art relevant to social justice causes. Five exhibits per season feature a mix of local and international artists commenting on culture, the environment, housing, gun violence and more through a range of mediums. Each exhibition is paired with related programming like films, workshops, lectures or performances that continue the dialogue opened by the artwork. It’s small but mighty, and its opening night gatherings foster both art appreciation and community connections.
505 Hawley Ave., Syracuse, 315-218-5711, artragegallery.org
Edgewood Gallery
You might never guess that the unassuming, low-slung building on Tecumseh Road doesn’t just offer custom framing. For the last 37 years, Edgewood has exhibited professional area artists working in every style and medium of art. Shows change every six weeks and feature sculptures, paintings, ceramics and jewelry grouped together by theme. Owner Cheryl Chappell has been here since its inception. “In ’89, when I was hired, my first job was to paint the walls,” she said. The opening receptions, where food and wine are served, are packed with locals, including the artists whose works are on display.
216 Tecumseh Road, Syracuse, 315-445-8111, edgewoodartandframe.com
Stay Fresh Stay Fresh, a multidisciplinary design studio/gallery on Wyoming Street in Syracuse. (Stay Fresh/Photos courtesy of Stay Fresh) Stay Fresh Gallery
Stay Fresh, located at Delavan Studios off Wyoming Street, is a design agency that’s been in business for 12 years, serving noteworthy clients like Jay and Silent Bob and Beak & Skiff. “Since COVID, we’ve been showcasing local or national talent each month,” said founder Tommy Lincoln, who curates the exhibits. Though there is no permanent collection, Stay Fresh hosts gallery shows highlighting specific artists and group shows with themes like February’s Love Stinks and a Secret Santa portrait show where artists portray each other in their signature styles (it’s also a fundraiser for The Arts Project Syracuse).
108 Wyoming St., Syracuse, stayfresh.design
Art galleries of CNY Light Work is an artist-run, photography-focused gallery and lab. Light Work Gallery
Photography is the focus at this artist-run nonprofit, open since 1973. It started mainly as a center to provide resources for artistic photographers, through residencies and a photo lab facility, but it grew into an impressive collection in its own right when it began requesting that artists who had received support donate a photograph. Now the collection is more than 4,000 works large, and growing, rotated on and off display in curated exhibitions; exhibits featuring artists-in-residence also cycle throughout the year. For an annual membership fee, members of the community can access Light Work’s state-of-the-art photo and digital lab.
Robert B. Menschel Media Center, 316 Waverly Ave., Syracuse, 315-443-2450, lightwork.org
Art Haus The Art Haus at 120 Walton Ave in Syracuse. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com (Dennis Nett/dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com) art haus SYR
It’s possible you’ve interacted with an art haus installation without knowing it. Since 2023, New York City transplants Michael Schwarzer and Marianna Ranieri-Schwarzer (a Syracuse native) have filled empty storefronts and building lobbies downtown with pop-up art displays accompanied by QR codes. In 2024, the team known as Midoma added a gallery space devoted to contemporary art on Walton Street. In alignment with their mission to encourage people to live with art everywhere and interact with it daily, you can pair a visit with something unusual: a haircut by Schwarzer (the couple met working at a salon decades ago). “You can get that art vibe in a more relaxed fashion,” he said.
120 Walton St., Syracuse, arthaus-syr.com
Brewer Harris Projects
In 2024, co-directors and artists Laura Heyman, a film and media arts associate professor, and Miesha Shih, curator and art consultant, opened a genre-defying one-room gallery in Syracuse’s Bank Alley District. They’ll display paintings in a “white cube” environment for one exhibit, then transform the space into an immersive experience for another. It has been a jazz club, a speakeasy and a gender-exploding barber shop — complete with the artist giving haircuts and incorporating resulting Polaroids into the installation in real time. The gallery aims to highlight work not typically seen in this context, namely by queer, BIPOC and women artists. “We want a space that’s welcoming, that everybody can feel comfortable in,” said Shih.
138 Bank Alley, Syracuse, brewerharrisprojects.org
Artists Tyrone Johnson-Neuland and Tony Washington chat in front of Washington’s art on display in the “Eight Artists — An Invitational” exhibit at the Art in the Atrium gallery in Syracuse. (Scott Herrmann via CNY Arts/Scott Herrmann via CNY Arts) Art in the Atrium
In the former City Hall Commons is a unique space that makes a delightful gallery; glass walls expose the work visually to the city but protect it from the elements. Since 2023, CNY Arts has partnered with the City of Syracuse and New York City-based Chashama, whose mission is to bring art to audiences in vacant urban spaces. The result is an exhibit space available at no cost to artists and audiences alike. In addition to one- or two-month-long exhibits, there are smaller events programmed, from artist talks to workshops, fashion shows, craft fairs and concerts.
201 E. Washington St., Syracuse, 315-374-1285, cnyarts.org/art-in-atrium
Tyler Art Gallery
On SUNY Oswego’s campus, this teaching gallery displays rotating exhibitions of student and community art, including paintings, sculptures and performances, with an emphasis on a diversity of artistic voices and perspectives. Artist talks, workshops, demonstrations and studio visits are some of the programming that enhance each exhibition. The permanent collection contains European, African and American drawings, prints, painting, ceramics and sculptures; a special collection contains over 500 prints from prominent early-20th century printmakers. Factor in a walk across campus to view the Outdoor Sculpture Initiative, nine public sculptures scattered throughout the 690-acre property and changed out periodically.
Tyler Hall, 71 Sweet Road, Oswego, oswego.edu/tyler-art-gallery
Handwerker Gallery
This gallery, housed at Ithaca College, exhibits contemporary art. The permanent collection includes modern paintings, African and South American art, and lithographs and drawings. It opened in 1966 as the Ithaca College Museum of Art but was downsized and closed in 1972. It took a 1977 donation from Murray Handwerker, of the Nathan’s Famous restaurant chain and a college trustee, to transform it into first a hallway for the display of art, and later the larger gallery as it exists today. The gallery is closed for installation between exhibitions, so call or check online before visiting.
Caroline Werner Gannett Center, 953 Danby Road, Ithaca, 607-274-3548, ithaca.edu/handwerker-gallery